Shaikha Fatima's gender equality initiatives lauded

Dubai - The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) presented Shaikha Fatima with the Personal Leadership Award 2016

An international award recently bestowed on Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, is a source of pride for both UAE and Arab women, Shaikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, has said.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) presented Shaikha Fatima with the Personal Leadership Award 2016 for her role in helping the UAE achieve global levels of gender equality in the field of telecommunication and information technology.
Shaikha Manal congratulated Shaikha Fatima on this international recognition. Shaikha Fatima has made vital contributions to creating a conducive environment for women's development as part of the UAE's efforts to empower women across sectors based on the firm belief that the development of the nation cannot be achieved without women playing a greater role in society, she said.
"HH Shaikha Fatima is a unique UAE woman role model for people across the world. The award is a clear recognition of her impact on society, and her achievements in empowering women and promoting gender equality locally and regionally."
Council maps future plans
Meanwhile, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, vice-president of the UAE Gender Balance Council, chaired the board of directors meeting of the UAE Gender Balance Council at the headquarters of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in Abu Dhabi.
The board members discussed a number of areas including the council's achievements over the year. The board also approved the operational plan for 2017, which covers events, international representation, official visits, the council's activities and local initiatives to promote gender equality.
The board also discussed the hosting of prominent figures in the field of gender equality, media meetings, and the outcome of the UNDP. The board unveiled the balance guide for federal and local entities developed in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, as well as the results of the Gender Balance Index. The board also announced the entities it will honour for their contributions to promote gender balance.
Milestones in closing gender gap
> UAE was ranked 1st globally in the 2015 World Economic Forum on the literacy rate indicator
> 56% of the UAE's graduates in Stem course at government universities are women
> The UAE is the first country in the Arab region to introduce mandatory female presence in boardrooms
> Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Speaker of FNC is the first woman in the Arab world to be elected as speaker of a national council
> UAE is ranked first among 132 countries in 'women treated with respect' indicator in the Social Progress Index 2015 report
> Over 32,000 registered businesswomen in the UAE running investments worth Dh42 billion
> The UAE has 8 female ministers, making 27.5% of ministerial roles
> The UAE is the first Arab country to launch a balance index in workforce
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